Jim Schwartz says Reggie Bush may return punts for Detroit Lions

"He's certainly a guy that you want touching the football, and anyway we can get him touching the football will be good for the Lions." - Schwartz

Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush is a talented punt returner and could resume those duties this season.AP File Photo

PHOENIX -- Newly acquired Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush can do just about everything on the football field.

Bush is a proven pass catcher who can break an explosive run. He became an every down back during the past two seasons with the Miami Dolphins. Bush is also a talented punt returner.

It had been unclear if Detroit would utilize Bush's return abilities this season, but Lions coach Jim Schwartz cleared that up during the today's NFL owners meetings.

"I'm not a man of few words, but yes," Schwartz said.

Schwartz would not disclose how often he would use Bush in that role, but the running back is definitely a weapon at his disposal.

Bush was sparingly used on punt returns the past two seasons in Miami. He had six returns for 52 yards in 2011, but was not used in that role last season.

However, Bush was known for exciting the Superdome crowd when he played for New Orleans.

In 2008, Bush averaged 13.5 yards a return and scored three touchdowns. Bush had returned four punts for touchdowns in his career, averages 7.9 yards a return, and has compiled 772 yards.

Will Bush excite the crowd at Ford Field this season?

"With all due respect, we want to excite the crowd. We want to excite them by scoring points, and that's what he can do," Schwartz said. "He can change field position and do those things. Again, it's a little bit like talking about Riley (Reiff) and where he's going to play. That will all shake out over the course of offseason, training camp, and preseason games, and everything else, but he's certainly a guy that you want touching the football, and anyway we can get him touching the football will be good for the Lions."